Spiced Chicken and Red Lentil Medley
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Spiced Chicken and Red Lentil Medley, a wholesome and hearty curry that brings together tender chicken, nutritious red lentils, and a medley of aromatic spices. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Customize the spiciness level by selecting your favorite curry powder, making it a dish suitable for both mild and bold palates. Serve it warm over fluffy basmati rice, garnished with a dollop of creamy yogurt and crunchy toasted almonds for a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
onions
2 (finely sliced)
green pepper
1 (deseeded and chopped)
fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (peeled and grated)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
curry powder
2 tablespoons (to taste)
cumin seed
1 teaspoon (whole)
chicken breast
1 lb (cubed)
chicken stock
2 cups (prepared)
dried red lentils
5 ounces (rinsed)
plain yogurt
6 tablespoons (divided)
toasted almonds
2 ounces (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and chopped green pepper, cooking gently for 8-10 minutes until both are softened and translucent.
2
Stir in the grated ginger, crushed garlic, curry powder, and cumin seeds. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their fragrant aromas.
3
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and cubed chicken breast to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the chicken is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
4
Pour in the chicken stock and add the dried red lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5
Incorporate half of the plain yogurt into the curry and cover the pan. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
6
To serve, ladle the curry into individual bowls alongside fluffy basmati rice. Top with the remaining yogurt and a generous sprinkle of toasted almonds for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
17.5
Carbs
13.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spiced Chicken and Red Lentil Medley?
It is a wholesome and hearty curry featuring tender chicken, nutritious red lentils, and aromatic spices, ideal for family dinners.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 160 calories.
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The primary protein sources are chicken breast and red lentils, providing 13.5g of protein per serving.
What type of lentils should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for dried red lentils, which should be rinsed before use.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a weeknight dinner, designed for straightforward preparation.
What side dish is recommended for this curry?
It is best served warm over fluffy basmati rice.
How can I customize the spiciness of this medley?
You can adjust the heat level by selecting a curry powder that matches your preference for mild or bold flavors.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The dish is topped with a dollop of creamy yogurt and crunchy toasted almonds.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
This recipe contains 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the chicken breast be prepared?
The chicken breast should be cubed before cooking.
How long should the onions and peppers be cooked?
Cook the sliced onions and chopped green pepper for 8-10 minutes until softened and translucent.
When do I add the ginger and garlic?
Add the grated ginger and crushed garlic after the onions and peppers have softened, along with the curry powder and cumin seeds.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of prepared chicken stock.
How long does the medley need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer covered for 25 minutes, plus an additional 5 minutes after adding the yogurt.
Do I use the yogurt all at once?
No, the 6 tablespoons of yogurt are divided: half is stirred into the curry near the end, and the other half is used for topping.
What type of pepper is used?
The recipe calls for one green pepper that has been deseeded and chopped.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 finely sliced onions.
Is fresh ginger used in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of peeled and grated fresh ginger is used.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 2 tablespoons of curry powder and 1 teaspoon of whole cumin seeds.
How much oil is used and how is it applied?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of oil, divided: 1 tablespoon for the vegetables and 1 tablespoon for the chicken.
What is the weight of the chicken required?
You will need 1 lb of chicken breast.
What is the weight of the red lentils?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of dried red lentils.
Are the almonds raw or cooked?
The recipe specifies using 2 ounces of toasted almonds for garnish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dish due to its balanced protein, lentils, and moderate calorie count.
How should I cook the cumin seeds?
Cumin seeds are stirred in with the ginger, garlic, and curry powder and cooked for 1-2 minutes to release their aroma.
Does the recipe require a lid for the pan?
Yes, the pan should be covered during the main 25-minute simmer and the final 5-minute simmer.
Can I substitute the chicken breast?
While the recipe specifies chicken breast, other lean proteins or chicken thighs could be used, though cooking times may vary.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is a chicken curry and lentil-based comfort food.
Is the garlic crushed or sliced?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic to be crushed.